Families in flood alert

IT WAS the phone call that everyone dreads - an emergency warning that floods are on the way. More than 1,000 households and businesses in vulnerable parts of the region received the automated voice message yesterday.

IT WAS the phone call that everyone dreads - an emergency warning that floods are on the way.

More than 1,000 households and businesses in vulnerable parts of the region received the automated voice message yesterday. Fortunately, it was only to test a system that could eventually save thousands of pounds in damage - and even lives.

The Automated Voice Messaging (AVM) warning is available to residents and businesses in flood hotspots like Didsbury, Northenden, Rochdale and Congleton.

Any complacency about the issue was swept aside last week when the Environment Agency published a map showing areas most at risk.

The map included the whole of East Didsbury, a suburb favoured by the city's rich and famous.

Devastated

Boscastle, the Cornish village devastated by a 10ft wall of water this summer, was shown as having a much lower likelihood of damage to property.

The test of the AVM system involved businesses receiving dummy calls during the day and residents after 5pm.

Simon Heckle, team leader of the Environment Agency's flood warning unit, said: "Autumn and winter tend to bring wetter weather and we want to make sure that if we do have to issue flood warnings, the system is working effectively.

"The service is free, and means that those who are eligible can be sure that they will have as much advance warning as possible if flooding is expected.

"Flood information is broadcast on local TV and radio, but obviously you have to be tuned in to get the message.

"The AVM service means that people are warned promptly by phone, at any time of day or night, so that they can be fully prepared."